Embracing Stillness...

We all like to be productive. We all want to feel motivated. We all savor that feeling of satisfaction when we accomplish things that needed to get done. We all want to be successful. We all want to do the best we can, as often as we can. We all want to the best version of ourselves.

I have a Type A personality. I like order. I like consistency. I like structure. I am a perfectionist. My daily routine is important to me. I like having a plan. I like having a good idea of what I’m doing or executing. I hate being late. If I say I’m going to get something done, it will get done. I’m a “go,go,go” kinda girl. I don’t really like sitting around and have a hard time relaxing. All of these qualities can be great. Most work in my favor, especially when it comes to school and/or a job. However, they can also hinder my ability to accept change, progress, and be okay without a plan/schedule at times. I hold myself to high standards and I don’t believe there is anything wrong with that. My personality pushes me to do my very best work. It makes me meticulous and driven. It allows me to get things done in a timely manner. It’s rewarding. The problem with having a Type A personality though is that it often leaves me feeling burnt out. I don’t realize that I may be overdoing it sometimes. I often feel a sense of stress when it comes to stuff out of my normal routine or things that require a shift in my mindset or plans. It’s tough to sit down, relax, and not feel antsy. I feel lazy and unproductive if I’m not constantly moving or doing something with my time. I like to be doing something 95% of the time. All of these are thoughts I’ve felt for as long as I can remember. Throughout the past year I’ve been working really hard to shift this mindset, to become more open to change and spontaneity, and to take things one day at a time. I have been working to become a more balanced person. Self growth is very important to me. I am constantly working to become a better version of myself. My Type A personality/natural habits tend to hinder that and I don't want it to be that way.

As I grow older, I have drawn some important conclusions that may benefit you all too...

-Not everything is going to go as planned. -It’s okay to make time for yourself.

-Relaxing does not make you lazy. -It’s not necessary to review and overanalyze things multiple times because the change in outcome will most likely be minuscule. -Stop overthinking. -Routine makes you feel comfortable and we love to feel comfortable. Spontaneity requires discomfort, but often leads to self growth. It can be amazing and liberating. -Sometimes you just have to stop and breathe. -Stressing will not solve any of your problems and will most likely make things more difficult. -Receiving a bad grade or answer you didn't want to hear does not mean it's over, it's not the end of the world.  -Sometimes taking things one day at a time or one step at a time is the best thing to do.

-Change takes time. Change doesn't happen overnight.

-Patience is important.

-If you get knocked down, you can always get back up again.

All of these statements have become meaningful in my self growth journey and progression towards a better me. Each person has qualities or aspects of themselves that can hold them back at times. No one is perfect. Each day is a chance to improve yourself and work towards a better you. When I feel like my Type A characteristics might be starting to hinder my progress by creeping back into my mind/actions, I take a step back. I assess if what I am doing and thinking is allowing me to progress or hindering my ability to reach my true potential.

Do not allow yourself to feel lazy or unproductive for needing a break. Don't let your mind overanalyze, overassess, and make you constantly rethink your actions. Understand that you will get things done. Lets face it. We all tend to stress and feel like we are never going to be able to tackle that long to do list, but somehow it always gets done. You are not any less of a person for needing some extra time or space. It is okay to change or switch up prior plans. Its okay to be meticulous and strive for better, but it should never become overbearing. If you don't receive the outcome you expected, it's okay. Things tend to work out in the long run.

Finding strength and beauty in stillness has made life a lot more enjoyable. Understanding that things won't happen overnight and that progress takes time has given me the opportunity to appreciate things a little bit more. Resting my body and mind has allowed me to step away from feeling overly stressed and given me a chance to feel still and at ease. 

-Mik